FAQ Illustration- souks marrakech

FAQ – Les Petites Expériences

Frequently asked questions about our Petites Experiences

Booking as early as possible is always best, as it ensures that you have availability in the time slot you want. And it's all the more important if you're travelling in the high season (October to May and during school holidays).

Please note that we no longer take bookings 48 hours in advance, and our offices are closed on Sundays, so make sure you book well in advance. 

Paying for your Petites Expériences couldn't be easier! You have three options to choose from:

  • Western Union (our favourite): Simple, fast and much cheaper than an international bank transfer! You can use their website, app or any other international money transfer platform. Don't worry, we'll explain everything to you when you book! 
  • Bank transfer This is possible, but honestly it's not the cheapest option (unless you have a special package). Banks often charge quite high fees (at least €20), so if you opt for this option : you need to make sure that we are not charged for it (which is often the case if you don't tell your advisor).
  • (as a last resort) : If Western Union is not suitable for you, we can send you a payment request via PayPal. You will then receive an email and will be able to pay by credit card, just like on any other website, without needing to create an account. PayPal does, however, charge a 5% fee, which we will add to the amount due.

At first, we accepted payment on the spot, but we soon realised that unfortunately, without any financial commitment, last-minute cancellations were all too common. As you can imagine, this puts us in an awkward position vis-à-vis our guides and the host families, as it means a loss of income for them, especially when they have already bought the accommodation for you. To avoid these inconveniences, we are now asking for payment in advance. Thank you for your understanding!

We don't accept payment on the spot, simply because it involves far too many logistics for the many guides, families and service providers who work for us. We therefore invite you to pay for your Petites Experiences at the time of booking, to confirm everything at once. That said, if you book several months in advance, and the amount is significant, we can consider payment in several installments. Don't hesitate to ask!

Yes, of course, we can provide you with one! Unlike many other agencies, our business is registered, so we can issue you with an invoice: just ask for one when you book! And here's a little bonus: our prices include VAT, so there's no nasty surprise if you have to add 20% VAT.

At first glance, some excursions seem similar, but the price is quite different on other platforms such as Get Your Guide. This is due in part to the content of the day (check the inclusions/exclusions and compare what is comparable) and several essential points:

  • Private excursions, not a minibus ‘pick-up’: Unlike traditional excursions where you find yourself in a packed minibus with forced stops in shops, or fifteen or so strangers around a cooking workshop, our experiences are exclusively private. With us, there's no imposed diversions, no constrained timing: just an authentic, personalised discovery tailored to your desires, off the beaten track, with paid partners. This approach brings people together and avoids the ‘mass tourism’ effect.
  • Experiences off the beaten track: Many classic offers are limited to the usual tourist itineraries. We want you to experience Morocco in a different way, with hikes away from the crowds, local guides who are passionate about their town or valley, who open the doors to their culture, invite you to eat at local people's homes and enjoy experiences in the medina that immerse you in local life (traditional hammam, street food, local barber...).
  • Responsible tourism: We declare our activity and pay our partners correctly. Unfortunately, very few agencies do this (80% of business is undeclared in Morocco), which means that our guides, drivers and families are not covered by social security. Of course this helps to keep prices down, but it doesn't fit in with our vision of travel: we prefer more ethical and respectful tourism. Choosing our experiences also means supporting more ethical tourism.

No, we don't organise these experiences. There are already hundreds of agencies offering these activities, and doing them very well. We're in a different position, and we offer what the others don't: authentic experiences, away from the crowds and close to the locals. If that's what you're looking for, we're sure you'll love our Small Experiences! 

No, each experience is 100% private. Just you and your guides, for total, personalised, uncompromising immersion!

Of course you can! Giving the gift of a Little Experience means offering a unique moment in Morocco, far from the beaten track. With our travel gift card, your loved ones will have the freedom to choose their adventure, whether it's a city break in Marrakech or a seaside getaway in Essaouira! Our travel gift card is ultra-flexible, allowing you to offer one (or more) specific experience(s) or a free amount to be used on our experiences. Valid for one year, it gives lucky owners plenty of time to organise the perfect getaway, from craft workshops to cultural discoveries and meeting the locals! So, ready to give the gift of souvenirs in Morocco? Discover our traveller gift card.

With pleasure! Our Small Experiences are perfect for a seminar that's out of the ordinary: uthentic encounters, discoveries and local immersion, far from the usual activities. There's nothing better for strengthening bonds than intimate and authentic experiences, where emotion has pride of place, don't you think? However, some of our experiences have a limited capacity due to the size of the venues. For example, our home cooking workshops are limited to 6 people, the home meals to 12 people, the hammam to 6 men and 6 women maximum and the barber to 4 people. You can imagine the size of a home-cooked meal or a barber's salon in the medina! Tell us what you're looking for, and we'll guide you towards one or more perfect experiences to welcome your team in the best possible conditions. Contact us and let's talk ! 

For real? Almost all of them! Our experiences are designed to be flexible and adaptable. For more details on our ideal family experiences, go to the dedicated section (‘family travel in Morocco’) just below! 

No worries (machi mouchkil, as we say back home); we'll adapt as much as possible! Just let us know when you book, and we'll do everything we can to adapt the experience. On the day, remember to tell your guide about any allergies or restrictions before you eat anything so that he can check with the establishments on site. If a dietary or medical constraint is notified after booking, the price of the experience will be refunded following the usual cancellation policy. So don't hesitate to let us know, and we'll do our best to make sure you get the most out of your experience! 

It all depends! If the experience takes place far from the city centre, yes, we take care of the transport (and this is then indicated in the inclusions on our site). But for experiences in the medina, no, because everything is easily done on foot. If you need to get around, taxis are a good option (be prepared to negotiate!), as are tuk tuks when it comes to getting around the narrow streets of the medina, or you can use inDrive, a very practical and often more economical private driver app.

Don't worry if you're up to 15 minutes late, the guide will be waiting for you. He or she may adapt the itinerary slightly, but the experience will still finish on time. However, if you are more than 15 minutes late, the experience will unfortunately be cancelled without refund, postponement or credit note. And if any members of your group are late, the guide will not be able to take calls once the activity has started, nor will he be able to go back over missed explanations or meals. This rule applies whether or not you have informed us. So we advise you to plan ahead to avoid the unexpected !

We know that the unexpected is part of travelling! That's why we try to be flexible while respecting our commitments. Don't hesitate to let us know as soon as possible if you need to cancel by email at hello@lespetitesexperiences.com or by Whatsapp on +212 (0)6 43 899 535.

  • More than 7 days before the experience: you can choose between a postponement, a credit note valid for 1 year or a refund (with deduction of bank transfer charges).
  • Between 48 hours and 7 days before: : you can reschedule or obtain a credit note, but no refund.
  • Less than 48 hours before: no rescheduling, credit note or refund possible.

If you have cancellation insurance, don't forget to contact it, as it may be able to cover the costs. We also recommend Chapka Assurance (affiliate link) for a worry-free trip.

And if we ever have to cancel - which is very rare but can happen in unforeseen circumstances - you'll get a full refund or be able to choose a new date.

No worries, but as our experiences are private, the price always depends on the number of participants. So if part of the group cancels, the same cancellation conditions as described above apply, but with a new price calculation, both for participants in the original experience and for those who wish to reschedule. 

  • If you continue the experience with fewer people,the price per person will be adjusted, and you will only be refunded the difference between what you paid and the new price.
  • If you wish to reschedule for those who cancel,, we will be able to do so, but the original price per person cannot be guaranteed, and the price of the rescheduled experience will be recalculated according to the number of participants.

Need an example? You book an experience at €50/person for 4 people, i.e. €200. In the end, 2 people can't come and prefer to reschedule for another date. But for 2 people, the experience costs €70/person.

  • Those who stay will pay €140 (€70 x 2).
  • Those who postpone will also pay €140 for the new date.
  • You'll need to add another €80 for rescheduling (as €200 was originally paid for 4).

Of course, if you completely cancel part of the group, this will be subject to our cancellation policy (refund or credit note depending on the delay).

Rest assured, the weather is rarely bad in Morocco! But if rain, wind or a storm really threaten to spoil the experience and the weather makes it impossible to keep the date, we'll contact you directly to discuss our 3 options:

  • Reschedule for another date that suits you
  • Receive a credit note in the form of a gift card valid for 1 year
  • A full refund

You can also contact us in advance if you have any doubts about the weather: hello@lespetitesexperiences.com or by Whatsapp on +212 (0)6 43 899 535.

A word of advice: it's always best to be well equipped (suitable footwear, rain jacket, etc.). But if the weather really does become too fickle, we'll find the best solution together!

Morocco Travel Tips: Frequently Asked Questions

The best time to travel to Morocco depends on the region you're visiting. For Marrakech, the best period is between October and May, when temperatures are most pleasant. For Essaouira, opt for the period from April to December, when the climate is mild. Note that in July and August, it's hot but very windy in Essaouira! In any case, we advise you to avoid the school vacation periods (if you can, of course) to avoid the crowds and make the most of your stay.

Yes, Ramadan in Morocco is a magical time to discover the country differently, with its unique atmosphere and immersive traditions. In Marrakech especially, the rhythm remains the same, restaurants remain open, and only monuments close a little earlier than usual. The impact on your trip is therefore almost non-existent; quite the contrary: you'll be able to experience this important period for all Moroccans, sharing moments with them that few tourists get to experience! What's more, plane tickets are generally a little cheaper at this time of year! If you'd like to find out more, check out our dedicated article « Marrakech during Ramadan: what impact will it have on your trip?”

The official languages in Morocco are Arabic, Berber and French. But this doesn't mean that all Moroccans speak these 3 languages: some speak only Darija (Moroccan Arabic), others only Berber, and some speak 2 or 3 languages (or more). French is widely spoken, especially in cities and tourist areas. English is also very well spoken and understood in tourist-only areas (as you'll see, the younger generation speaks better English than French). As for our Small Experiences, don't worry; all our guides are bilingual!

In winter, there is usually a 5 to 8-hour time difference between the United States and Morocco, depending on the U.S. time zone. However, when the United States switches to daylight saving time (starting in March), the time difference decreases by one hour until Morocco also moves its clock forward. It should also be noted that on the weekend preceding the start of Ramadan, Morocco temporarily moves back an hour to facilitate religious observances. The country returns to daylight saving time on the weekend following the end of Ramadan. This adjustment can create an additional variation in the time difference between Morocco and the U.S. To sum up, the time difference between Morocco and the United States varies based on the U.S. time zone, daylight saving time changes, and the holy month of Ramadan, ranging from 4 to 8 hours depending on the period.

On the whole, Morocco is a safe destination. Theft is rare, as it is severely punished by the law, but it can still happen, as it does everywhere. The medinas are increasingly equipped with video surveillance cameras, and tourist brigades have been set up in the major cities: all this has greatly improved security in the heart of the city. Today, let's face it, you're safer in Marrakech than in Paris! However, as is the case everywhere, be careful with your personal belongings (telephone, papers, cash), especially in crowded areas such as the medina of Marrakech and Essaouira.

Planning a trip in morocco

Yes, it's advisable to plan as many of your activities as possible in advance, especially if you're planning a trip to Morocco during the high season (between October and May), and even more so in Marrakech than elsewhere. Hotels, activities and restaurants can be in high demand. Remember to book your tickets for the Jardin Majorelle online several weeks in advance. Ditto for trendy restaurants in Marrakech, especially in the evenings and at weekends, by booking via whatsapp, their websites or Instagram. If you need help organizing your trip to Morocco, we work in partnership with Les Petites Jambes, a travel planner specializing in the destination and offering 100% authentic tailor-made itineraries!

No vaccinations are compulsory for foreign nationals traveling to Morocco, and you will not be asked for your vaccination booklet at any time. However, you are strongly advised to keep your vaccinations up to date (especially for hepatitis A), and certain vaccinations may be recommended depending on your state of health or itinerary. For example, for long stays in remote areas and spartan conditions, vaccinations against hepatitis B, rabies and typhoid are recommended. Good to know too: there's no malaria in Morocco.

Yes, a passport is required to travel to Morocco, valid for the entire duration of your stay (it does not need to be valid for 6 months after your return date, as is the case in some countries).

No, you don't need to apply for a tourist visa for Morocco in advance of your trip! Simply bring your valid passport with you, and when you arrive in Morocco, the customs officer will stamp your passport and give you an entry number. This stamp is your tourist visa for Morocco, valid for 90 days (each day started is due). A word of advice: when you arrive at the airport in Morocco, make sure you have the name and address of your hotel/riad/apartment with you, as this information will be requested by customs officials. If you're planning a trip during the high season, customs queues can be much longer than usual, so don't plan anything within 3 hours of landing, and for your return flight, remember to get to the airport well in advance too!

We strongly advise you to take out travel insurance morocco (cancellation and, above all, on-site assistance) with a specialist company such as Chapka, votre partenaire voyage (affiliate link). Admittedly, in most cases you won't need to take it out (and so much the better!), but it can be very useful in the event of a problem (Morocco is not part of the European Union, so all medical expenses will be at your expense if something happens to you)... Important information to know: cancellation insurance must be taken out within 48 hours of booking your services for them to be covered.

To pay in Morocco, we advise you to bring cash in addition to your credit card, as CB cards are not accepted everywhere. They are accepted in restaurants and stores of international standing, but everywhere else (souks, small restaurants or cafés, small local stores, historical monuments, cabs, tips...) you'll need cash to pay. So it's best to carry some with you at all times!

If you don't have a bank card enabling you to make free withdrawals abroad, we recommend that you bring euros in cash, which you can exchange for dirhams at a bureau de change at the airport (just a little, to tide you over, as the rates are poor) or in the medina (we recommend the bureaux de change in Place Jemaa el Fna, which offer the best rates). Conversion is easy enough, since 1$ = 10 dhs.

Morocco's official currency is the Moroccan dirham (MAD or DHS). In very touristy areas, it is sometimes possible to pay in euros or dollars, but this is not systematic and is mostly to your slight disadvantage (as the exact conversion rate is often 1€ = just over 10 dhs). For simplicity's sake, we recommend that you exchange some of your money as soon as you arrive in Morocco.

Before you leave, check the conditions of your mobile subscription. In general, most American operators do not include data in Africa in their packages. When you arrive at Marrakech or Essaouira airport, you can easily buy a Morocco SIM card with options for 10, 20 or 50 GB of data and calls/SMS. This is a very practical solution for staying connected throughout your stay, booking a restaurant, notifying a delay, finding a store...

Year-round essentials: sun cream, swimsuit for hotel pools, hat or cap, sunglasses, chèche/soulard for the desert, small backpack or shoulder bag for sightseeing, comfortable shoes for the day and walking shoes if you're planning a hike.

What to wear in Morocco as a woman? As far as dress is concerned, it's important to bear in mind that Morocco is a Muslim country where nudity, especially female nudity, remains taboo. There’s more tolerance in the big tourist cities like Marrakech, where you can dress as you like, although I'd always recommend being respectful of local customs (no mini-shorts). On the other hand, in the countryside, or on excursions or visits to local homes or working-class neighborhoods, I recommend that women opt for an outfit that preferably covers the shoulders and knees. This way, you won't make your interlocutor feel uncomfortable, you'll feel fewer insistent glances, and you'll certainly find it easier to bond with people.

On sunny days (April to October), it's best to pack summer clothes and one or two light woollens for cooler evenings, especially by the sea. Inland, fans and misters will be your best friends! Between November and March, take off-season clothing (long-sleeved T-shirts, pants) and warm clothes for the evening (temperatures can plummet in mid-winter once night falls).

A few medicines to slip into your suitcase just in case: anti-diarrhoeals, mosquito repellents for the oases, and saline solution for sensitive eyes, as the climate is very dry inland (in the South). Generally speaking, all medicines are available in pharmacies, without prescription, so there' no need to bring your whole pharmacy with you!

Planning a trip to Morocco, what do you need to know when you get there?

Yes, there is a tipping culture in Morocco, with a legal minimum wage of around 300 euros per month, so tipping in Morocco is a real way of supplementing your income, and it's part of the culture (Moroccans also tip each other). So don't forget to tip for every service performed, depending on your means and satisfaction, of course.

Here are a few guidelines:

  • Private driver: around 100 dirhams/day.
  • Guide or activity provider (2-3h): 50 to 100 dirhams for a family, 150 to 200 dirhams for a group of more than 5 people.
  • Restaurant: around 5% of the bill.
  • Luggage porterage or carrossa: 5 to 20 dirhams.

Tap water is drinkable, but it doesn't contain the same flora as water from France, so if you drink it, you run the risk of a good case of gippy tummy (except in Marrakech, where it comes from the Atlas mountains and is therefore purer). You can brush your teeth with it (unless you're really hyper-sensitive, in which case don't take any risks and use mineral water), but avoid drinking it as much as possible. When you buy a bottle of mineral water, make sure it's sealed (if you hear a click when you open it, it's fine). Avoid ice cubes, which are often made from tap water (except in restaurants and hotels, but ask first to be sure). In Morocco, fruit and vegetables benefit from the sun and are very tasty, but if you're very sensitive, opt for hot, cooked foods.

Driving in Morocco can be confusing if you're not used to the local way of doing things, but overall there's nothing to worry about: it's totally accessible and the roads are in good condition. Only the city of Marrakech can be a little tricky, with all the two-wheelers on the road in addition to the cars.

As in any tourist destination, it's possible to come across a few scams in Morocco, particularly in Marrakech and Essaouira. But with a few simple precautions, you can avoid the pitfalls and make the most of your trip. If you'd like some specific advice on Marrakech, don't hesitate to consult our anti-scam guide; but in the meantime, here are a few general recommendations for worry-free travel in Morocco:

  • Always check prices before any transaction, whether for an activity, a meal or a souvenir.
  • Beware of bogus guides who approach you on the street, and book in advance via a reputable agency or service.
  • Beware of spontaneous “gifts” such as bracelets or henna, which are often followed by a request for money, as are the people who will guide you to your riad.
  • Compare prices for the same item in several souk stores.

In Essaouira, the scams are fewer in number and focus mainly on argan oil, the region's emblematic product. Between fake oils and excessive prices, it's best to buy only from certified cooperatives or trusted stores. Street vendors often offer oils blended with other substances, so beware. A simple tip for recognizing pure argan oil: it should be dry to the touch. Need more info? Read our article on how to buy, pure argan oil from Morocco. With these precautions in mind, you'll be able to enjoy your holiday with complete peace of mind!

What Moroccan customs do you need to know?

In Morocco, contact between men and women is somewhat codified. The simplest way is to say hello without physical contact (unless you're offered a hand), not to kiss someone on the cheek. Moroccans are very welcoming and easy to invite into their homes, especially in rural areas. Normally, you can't refuse :-) And above all, it's an opportunity to meet new people and exchange ideas. A glass of tea, or even 2 or 3, is always welcome. 

Moroccan meals are communal: a large dish from which everyone picks with their hands (washed beforehand and at the end of the meal). If you're really uncomfortable, don't hesitate to ask for cutlery (there's always some in the restaurant). And of course, as in all Muslim countries, you eat with your right hand only (you can drink with your left, especially if your right hand is dirty). Don't throw yourself on the first course: after the starters, the tagine is always followed by a 2nd course, a cake, then fruit, and finally mint tea and pastries! Making a reservation from the outset allows you to honor each dish (because you'll be invited to eat everything).

In Morocco, people ask lots of questions, they're curious, and above all, they're genuinely interested in each other (you'll be asked several times how you're doing, and how your family is doing!) Another thing: you always take your shoes off before entering a room, especially if there are carpets.

Photographers beware: in any case, don't take a close-up photo of someone without their consent. Most of the time, men agree, but women are more shy about having their image used, so they're more likely to refuse. In tourist areas, you'll probably be asked to pay a fee, even to shoot an animal. Drones are forbidden, but if you've defied this ban, never take off near a village, and always keep as far away from the population as possible: the Arabic telephone is not a legend, and the police will know about it very quickly!

Here are the most popular taboos in Morocco: the King (politics), homosexuality, and the geopolitical situation in the Sahara... Some Moroccans love to talk politics, but it's better to wait for it to come from them so it doesn't come across as bad. When it comes to religion, the place of women in society and other societal issues, you can ask questions without judgment, and your interlocutor will surely be delighted to share his or her point of view. Last but not least, you may see (often elderly) men walking hand in hand: it's a sign of friendship and nothing else!

Family trip to Morocco

Strolling through Marrakech's medina with children is pleasant, but requires vigilance. The often crowded alleyways are also frequented by mopeds, even in pedestrian zones. Hold your children by the hand, keep to the right and stay alert, both in front and behind, to avoid surprises. We also advise against using baby carriages in the medina, due to the narrow streets, cobblestones and crowds. A baby carrier or regular breaks to make the stroll more pleasant are better alternatives. Last but not least, don't hesitate to opt for quiet hours (mornings before 11 a.m.) for greater serenity!

Essaouira's medina is much quieter, with fewer mopeds and wider streets, so you can enjoy a “cooler” stroll with children, even in a stroller.

Marrakech is an ideal destination for a morocco family vacation! From cultural discoveries to fun activities, there's something for all ages. Here are a few ideas for making the most of your stay in Morocco with children:

  • Ourika Park : A superb outdoor activity with a breathtaking view of the Atlas Mountains. The park offers plenty of games for children and a delicious local specialty: tajine Makfoul. In addition to the attractions, manual activities are offered, such as traditional bread-making.
  • Crazy Landia : An open-air park ideal for spending the afternoon with the little ones. There are plenty of rides suitable for young children, as well as trampolines and a miniature train. 
  • The Ranch : Located an hour from Marrakech, this estate is home to a huge animal park. A guided tour costs around 100 dirhams and includes the opportunity to feed the animals. The park is very well maintained and includes children's play areas and a superb equestrian center with a breathtaking view of the Atlas Mountains.
  • Crazy Jumper : A stable located in the palm grove where you can take a horse ride for 100 dirhams. The horses are well cared for, and the staff are very welcoming. The activity is open to all ages, young and old alike (so you don't get jealous!).
  • Meydene : An immersive place where both children and adults can discover the history and culture of Marrakech through an experience that tells the story of the life of the Marrakchis.
  • Chez Ali : A dinner-show evening, with a traditional meal in a Berber tent and a performance featuring riders, dancers, and traditional music, which will appeal to both children and adults! We’d better warn you, it’s very touristy…
  • Parks and Gardens : The Majorelle Garden or the Anima Garden (less known but just as beautiful and more child-friendly) offer lovely walks in nature to relax and marvel (and great family souvenir photos)!
  • Oasiria : The largest water park in Morocco, perfect for a refreshing family day with slides, pools, and shaded areas. They won’t get bored!
  • Horse and Camel Rides : A fun way to explore Morocco. However, we recommend carefully choosing your carriage or camel ride provider, as not all are equal, and most have no ethics when it comes to animal welfare. 
  • Night in a Tent at Agafay: Treat yourself to a magical experience under the stars in the Agafay desert, with a night in a tent and shows and activities tailored for children. They’ll return with their heads full of memories!
  • And of course, , most of our Petites Experiences are perfect for families, such as pottery, cooking classes with locals, or our hikes!

Honestly? Almost all of them! Our experiences are designed to be flexible and adaptable. For example, our hikes are adjusted for younger children, with the option to include a mule to make the walk easier. The most important thing is to choose based on your children’s interests: are they curious about cultural discoveries? Lovers of nature and animals? Passionate about crafts? However, it's worth noting that some experiences are exceptions, such as certain craft workshops that are too physically demanding (zellige, wood carving) and experiences at the hammam or with the barber/hairdresser, which are recommended for children aged 6 and up. Let us know what they enjoy, and we’ll help you find the perfect experience for the whole family!